Southern Wayne’s No. 20, Mylasia Bradshaw, prepares for a free throw, where she went 1-for-1 at the line. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
Two rivals Southern Wayne Lady Saints and the Goldsboro Lady Cougars matched up for a spirited varsity showdown. Still, Goldsboro’s experience and offensive sharpness proved too much as they secured a decisive victory.
A Fast-Paced Start: Cougars Set the Tone Early
The game opened with Goldsboro gaining quick control, jumping ahead 4–2 as they pushed the tempo. Southern Wayne responded with grit, as No. 10 Myhirah Hunter stepped to the free-throw line and went 1-for-1, tightening the score to 6–3.
But the Lady Cougars wasted no time expanding their lead. Their defensive pressure led to transition opportunities, and their offense continued to click.
Southern Wayne’s No. 11 Kamani Brister delivered a strong highlight, driving through contact for a basket plus the foul, converting at the line to make it 14–6. She later added more at the stripe, going 2-for-1 and giving the Saints a much-needed spark.
However, Goldsboro answered immediately. A deep three from No. 00 Imari Buckom swung momentum sharply back to the Cougars as they surged ahead. By the end of the first quarter, Goldsboro held a commanding 25–8 lead.
Cougars Extend Their Lead Before the Half
In the second quarter, Southern Wayne shifted into a 2–3 zone, hoping to slow the Cougars’ pace and limit interior scoring. But Goldsboro continued finding seams, knocking down shots, and capitalizing on Saints’ defensive breakdowns.
With the score at 33–8, Southern Wayne called a timeout to regroup. The Saints returned to the floor with renewed energy, showing improved ball movement and hustle. While Goldsboro missed a few free throws during this stretch, they still maintained control.
A determined drive from No. 12 Kymora Stokes of Southern Wayne finishing a tough, contested layup gave the Saints a much-needed boost. Still, the Cougars’ offense remained relentless.
At halftime, Goldsboro held a dominant 46–13 advantage.
Experience Takes Over in the Second Half
As the third quarter unfolded, Goldsboro continued to dictate the game. The Saints searched for ways to regain momentum, pushing the ball and looking for open lanes, but the Cougars’ defensive pressure and veteran presence made scoring opportunities difficult.
Despite the score, the Lady Saints showed heart fighting for loose balls, contesting shots, and refusing to give in. But Goldsboro’s depth, pace, and execution proved decisive down the stretch.
Final: Cougars Close Out Emphatically
Goldsboro closed the matchup with the same intensity they started with, securing a convincing rivalry win.
Final Score: Goldsboro Lady Cougars 64, Southern Wayne Lady Saints 16
Post Game Interview
After the game, I had the chance to speak with Head Coach Ricky Lofton of the Southern Wayne Saints. “We are a very young team, but we are growing with knowledge as we face these tough opponents,” Coach Lofton said. “We will grow to understand the game, and when we succeed, we will be an amazing group of players.”
Coach Ricky Lofton also took a moment to recognize the young 9th graders on the team. “I want to applaud my freshmen in their first game they looked good as they adjusted to the high school game,” he added.
Coach Lofton didn’t forget the fans either. “I also want to thank the Saints fans for coming out to the game. This support means a lot to the ladies and will only motivate them to improve as the season goes on.”
